Pencils? Check.
Notebooks? Check.
Bookbag? Check.
Scientific calculator? Check.
Uniform shirt? Check.
Pads and tampons? Uh-oh!
When preparing for the new school year, heading to the Staples and Rumi to stock up on cute stationery supplies seems like a no brainer but how about the menstrual hygiene aisle at the supermarket? Although all New York public middle and high schools are required to have free period products available in the restrooms, it’s easy to be caught unaware. Bathroom dispensers in schools, however, are only a drop in a bucket compared to the millions of menstruators who face period poverty every year.
Period Poverty is the inability to buy period products like tampons, pads, or menstrual cups. In March 2023, the American Association of Pediatrics endorsed a statement by the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology to eliminate period poverty and increase young people’s access to menstrual products. In 2021, nearly 20% of menstruating, school age girls left school early or didn’t attend school at all because of the lack of period protection.
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Brooklyn Public Library’s Cycle Alliance is determined to help menstruating students get the period protection they need for the new school. From now until the end of September, BPL’s Cycle Alliance is now accepting donations of:
- Unopened boxes of tampons, maxi pads, and menstrual cups;
- Loose and individually wrapped maxi pads and tampons;
- Travel-sized bottles of lotion and toothpaste;
- Bags of hard candies like peppermints; and
- Travel sized packages of personal wipes and deodorant.
Teens in need are welcome to come to the Central Branch to pick up menstrual comfort kits and attend programming geared towards you.
Teens, get reliable and researched answers to your Puberty and Sex Ed questions. Email us at bklynfuture@bklynlibrary.org and expect an answer within two weeks. Excerpts of questions may be used anonymously in upcoming Bklyn Future posts.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or mental health counseling. Please consult with a medical or mental health professional when seeking medical or mental health advice, diagnoses, or treatment. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with your using or acting upon the information in our site.
This blog post reflects the opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of Brooklyn Public Library.
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